Evelyn L Jordan

Evelyn Lena Jordan, 90, died on Mother’s Day: May 8, 2022. She is survived by her brother, Philip Demers of Boston, Massachusetts; her first cousin Richard Demers of Riverside, California; and her four sons, Wayne, Dennis, Thomas and Gary Jordan, their families and her 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Evelyn was born on Leap Day, February 29, 1932, in Groveton, New Hampshire, to Alderic and Ida Demers. Though her real birthday only came once every four years, she was the kind of person who celebrated on both February 28 and March 1. Each of her Leap Year birthdays coincided with a presidential election, which was fitting for her because Evelyn treasured her right to vote and encouraged those around her to do the same.

Evelyn attended Groveton High School in New Hampshire, where she was a majorette, played basketball, and graduated valedictorian and Carnival Queen. Her Groveton Carnival King was William (Bill) Congdon Jordan, Evelyn’s high school sweetheart and husband of nearly fifty years until he passed away in 2000.

When they were in their twenties, Evelyn and Bill followed her family out to California after they had moved around during Bill’s service in the United States Navy. (Despite living more than two-thirds of her life in California, Evelyn never lost her New England accent.) Evelyn worked at a variety of companies and industries early in her career. In her mid-forties, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University La Verne, California. She arrived at North American Aviation, an aerospace company, in Anaheim in the mid-1960s and worked there through several mergers and acquisitions. She eventually retired from Boeing with more than 35 years of service.

Evelyn and Bill also raised four sons in Riverside. They enjoyed family vacations at the beach on both East and West Coasts, camping in the mountains and trips to National Parks. Evelyn was also an artist and painted many beautiful works of art that hung throughout her home. Evelyn attended Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Riverside for many years. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family and playing bingo. She loved her soap operas and a variety of game shows. Evelyn was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor up until the end of her life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am, on Monday, July 11th, 2022, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, to be immediately followed by an informal gathering for family and friends at 4881 Jones Ave, Riverside, California 92505. Mom would be happy everyone is gathering one last time in the home she so cherished and spent many years in, raising her family and enjoying life.